Dr Alison Porter

• Foreign language (FL) teaching and learning in instructed (school) settings, particulary the development of FL literacy in primary and secondary school classrooms. 
• The potential for cross-linguistic influence in early, beginner instructed FL learning.
• The role of evidence-informed pedagogies on teacher learning and practice.
• The role of technology-based professional development on teacher learning (linguistic and non-linguistic) and practice.

I am interested in investigating foreign language (FL) teaching and learning in instructed (school) settings.  To date I have explored the development of FL reading and writing in primary and secondary school classrooms.  This research agenda has involved monitoring the effects of pedagogies involving phonics and reading strategy instruction on pupil/teacher linguistic and non-linguistic outcomes.  I have also examined the potential for cross-linguistic influence in early, beginner instructed FL learning.

I am keen on encouraging teachers to engage with evidence-based pedagogies and to support teacher learning (particularly in-service teachers) through developing pedagogic principles and engaging in teacher-led classroom research.  Most recently these initiatives have involved examining the potential affordances that technology-based professional development might offer.